STEP 1: Collaborate to Create the Main Page

As a group, write and post the Main Page criteria. This page is a PBL overview, and must include a title, your names, an introductory paragraph, a bullet list outlining PBL planning, and a PBL resource list. Refer to the assignment criteria for specifics. Use the wiki Support Page to help you and/or search out information on your own.

STEP 2: Discussion & Brainstorming

Together, craft an original, technology-rich Project-Based Learning activity. Brainstorm project ideas. Once you agree on a project, discuss/brainstorm rough ideas for each required planning step: a project description, the product to be produced by students at the end of the unit, curriculum connections, the driving question, and technology integration.

Keep a log of all brainstorming activities. Your log can be in the form of a mind map (bubbl.us, mindmeister, or FreeMind), a text file (Word, etc.), drawings (Dabbleboard, etc.), a combination of these (or other such) apps, or even a wiki page (try it!). Be sure to save your log, as it is a required piece of the assignment.

Don’t try to complete the planning steps during this step. Just provide a starting spot for each piece of the puzzle.

STEP 3: Choose Roles & PBL Planning Steps

Assign a role to each PLN member (for groups with less than 5 members, decide how the extra role will be filled):
  1. Organizer
  2. Editor
  3. Page Designer
  4. Image Expert
  5. Wikilinker

Divide up the planning steps. Each member should focus on one step (again, groups of 4 will need to cover the extra step):
  1. Project Description (overview)
  2. Product (outcome)
  3. Curriculum Connection (standards met)
  4. Driving Question (the “big picture” question)
  5. Technology Integration (identify all technology to be used and describe how it will be used)

STEP 4: Research & Write

Each member should research and write about his/her planning step. Refer to your brainstorming activities to guide you. Each planning step should be described fully and should be at least 1 paragraph in length. The information must be comprehensive so anyone could use your project idea in their classroom.

Mrs. Langston has provided links and helpful hints on the Support Page to help you with this part of the assignment. Use this information as a starting spot for your individual contributions.

Once your information is complete, post it to your PLN’s corresponding wiki page. Add your name at the end of your contribution so Mrs. Langston knows who was responsible for each planning step.

STEP 4: Bring Order to the Wiki

Assume the roles in Step 3 to bring order to your wiki pages. This is the time to add graphics and wikilinks, to apply formatting, to make edits and add missing content, and to organize all information. Remember, ALL members will be graded on these aspects collectively, so be sure to help each other as needed!

STEP 5: Review, Edit, & Revise

Once the information is posted, all PLN members should return to the wiki and read all of the group's pages. Check each entry carefully - does the information stay true to the group's vision? Edit and revise as needed. Support each other! If you see mistakes made, correct them. If an entry is lacking, add to it. Your goal is for the GROUP to produce the best possible wiki.

STEP 6: Link the Wiki to Your Blog

Add a text link from your Collaborative Work page to the EDST 220 wiki.